2024 Subaru Forester

Pros: Wilderness trim excels off-road; great visibility; tons of space inside Cons: Dreary powertrain; sloppy handling; dated tech; upper trim levels less luxurious than rivals OK, so let’s get this out of the way: If you buy a 2024 Subaru Forester, you’ll be foregoing a multitude of updates and upgrades coming for the 2025 model year. The good news is, it’s really not that different. Despite the updated looks, upgraded tech features and revised trim levels, the next Forester is mechanically similar to the one sold for 2024. In short, you’re not missing that much, and we don't know when the next-generation Wilderness may arrive. It may be another model year. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about how the Forester stands in the greater compact SUV segment. Its standard all-wheel drive, class-leading ground clearance, ample cargo capacity, sturdy roof rails and a relatively simple interior all help the Forester’s cause. The aforementioned Forester Wilderness delivers even more of the above for folks wanting greater capability than the standard model. Indeed, those would be the folks for whom the Forester will have its greatest appeal. There’s no surprise that it’s so popular in the Pacific Northwest, Colorado and Northeast. In most other respects, though, and for less specific buyers, the 2024 Forester falls short. Its design and styling won’t turn any heads, and the powertrain, consisting of a naturally aspirated boxer four-cylinder and continuously variable transmission, is merely acceptable for the class. There’s also no hybrid available. The tech Subaru has on offer feels dated and slow, and while the infotainment system itself is easy to use, we can’t say the same for the busy cluster and funky screen above the infotainment (this is one area where the 2025 Forester improves upon, but as we’ve sampled its upgraded system in other Subarus, we know it’ll still fall well short of the segment’s best. Its ride is comfortable enough, but a noisy cabin and lackluster handling won’t impress anybody. For all these reasons, the Forester finds itself toward the middle and rear of the pack when compared to standouts like the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-50. Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2024? The Forester carries over unchanged for the 2024 model year, but if you think you saw something about a new Forester coming, you’re not wrong. The Forester will be heavily refreshed for next model year, and you can read all about it in our 2025 Subaru Forester Preview. What are the Forester interior and in-car technology like? The Forester's interior design is function-first, with a sensible control layout and visibility that rivals the Popemobile. The materials are of an acceptable quality, and driving for hours on rutted dirt roads proves it's all put together well. But don’t expect fake wood trim or fake leather applied to the …
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